This unit explores the Pentateuch as foundational to the biblical narrative and theological identity of Israel. In the unit, students will examine the issues of authorship and audience, contents, its evolution and formation, historical contexts, multiple literary forms, and theological themes. Attention will also be given to the continuing significance of the Pentateuch in both Jewish and Christian traditions.
Unit code: BA3321Z
Unit status: Approved (New unit)
Points: 18.0
Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3
Unit discipline: Old Testament
Proposing College: St Barnabas College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Analyse and engage with the contents of the books of the Pentateuch |
| 2. | Identify and articulate major theological themes running through the books of the Pentateuch |
| 3. | Research, document and write an exegesis of a selected text from the Pentateuch, giving due weight to historical, literary and theological concerns |
| 4. | Interpret and apply the text to contemporary issues and situations |
BA1741Z Exploring the Old Testament, or equivalent.
This unit employs both flipped classroom approaches and interactive lecture as appropriate, including seminar-style discussion of guided readings, student and instructor-led group analysis of texts and student presentations.
• Alexander, T. Desmond, and David W. Baker. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2003.
―――――. From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch. Fourth edition. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2022. https://research-ebsco-com.divinity.idm.oclc.org/c/ogttul/viewer/pdf/26rarbux35?route=details
• Blenkinsopp, Joseph. The Pentateuch: An Introduction to the First Five Books of the Bible. Anchor Bible Reference Library. New York, NY: Doubleday, 1992.
• Collins, John J. A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: And Deutero-Canonical Books. Third edition. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2018.
• Dozeman, Thomas B. The Pentateuch: Introducing the Torah. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2017.
• Gooder, Paula. The Pentateuch: A Story of Beginnings. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 2000.
• Laffey, Alice L. The Pentateuch: A Liberation-Critical Reading. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1998.
• Macina, Robert Daniel. The Lord’s Service: A Ritual Analysis of the Order, Function, and Purpose of the Daily Divine Service in the Pentateuch. Eugene, Oregon: Pickwick Publications, 2019.
• Whybray, R. N. Introduction to the Pentateuch. Grand Rapids, Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1995.
• Yee, Gale A., Hugh R. Page, and Matthew J. M. Coomber, eds. The Pentateuch. Study edition. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2016. https://search-ebscohost-com.divinity.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1370561.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper - 1,000-word tutorial paper on a Pentateuchal theme | 1000 | 25.0 | |
| Oral Presentation - Present on the various methods of interpreting Pentateuchal texts | 1500 | 30.0 | |
| Exegetical Essay - Essay on a selected text from the Pentateuch | 2500 | 45.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 18 Nov, 2025
Unit record last updated: 2025-11-18 16:01:46 +1100